Sahara Trek

Fitness level

This challenge is not technical, but requires a good degree of physical fitness.

The conditions require stamina and strength, which you should recognise and train for. This will be a much better experience if you are fit and prepared. You should feel comfortable walking 6-8 hours per day over multiple days.

Kit list

A comprehensive kit list is readily available to help you prepare and pack.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Marrakesh Menara Airport
Marrakech
40000
Morocco

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Marrakech to Ouarzazate

  The adventure begins when you meet your leader at the UK departure airport and fly to Marrakech, to meet the local guides. Transfer via Tichka Pass, the highest and most beautiful road pass in Morocco, to the south of Morocco, past Ait Ben Haddou and onto Ouarzazate to spend the night. After dinner, there's a pre-trek briefing, ready for the next day and the start of the trek.

• Day 2 | Ouarzazate to Faija then Amda Noumssafi (5-6hrs trekking, 15km)

  After an early start, transfer to the start of the trek at Faija where there will be an early lunch and meet the support crew, camels and cameleers. Lunch is in a truly spectacular setting, looking up towards the tizi, the pass which the group is heading towards. Begin trekking, and with numerous switchbacks, tackle the only real elevation on the trek, but are rewarded with fantastic views across the valley towards Zagoura. Trek through Jebel Bani, Col Umm Laachar, past the oasis of Amda Noumssafi and then find the first camp, next to a dry Wadi. Follow this Wadi the next day, but for now, take a break, and enjoy a fantastic, freshly prepared dinner, while looking up at the starry night sky.

• Day 3 | Amda Noumssafi to Chegaga (9-10hrs trekking, 32-34km)

  Passing by Lmhasser, the group will set out along a dry riverbed heading out towards the desert sands. Pass by a nomad camp, and if the family are there, stop and visit, and find out a little about their way of life. Have lunch shortly after this, in the shade of a small copse of squat desert trees. After lunch, trek over rocky plateau, and just after El Abbes, head to the dunes of Chegaga to find the camp for the night. Climb the dune behind the camp for sunset, and revel in the amazing views of the dunes rolling away towards the Algerian border and towards the heart of Africa. Today will be the longest day and you will need to dig deep, but seeing the deep red dunes of Chegaga for the first time is truly unforgettable experience.

• Day 4 | Chegaga to Bougarn (7-8hrs trekking, 24km)

  Today is a spectacular day! Rising before dawn, begin trekking under the clear desert skies, watching the colours of the dunes change as the sun comes up. Have fun in the dunes before trekking out of them, towards the direction of M’Hamid and Oued Draa. Have lunch under the trees at Tamarist and then head on to the dunes of Bougarn. Today will be tough on the feet as the trek is over hard, rocky terrain and hot sand in the afternoon.

• Day 5 | Bougarn to Wadi Naam (7-8hrs trekking, 22km)

  Another early start to appreciate a spectacular desert morning and make the most of the cooler temperatures. The low shrubs, small dunes, Tamarist trees and desert acacia create a wonderful atmosphere as the sun rises in the east. Head out across the dunes and the stony desert plain to camp at Oued Naam for the evening. This will be the last wild camp and the setting does not disappoint. There may be some dancing and bread making this evening!

• Day 6 | Oued Naam to M'Hamid then Ait Ben Haddou (3-5hrs trekking, 14km)

  On the final day of your challenge, head towards M’Hamid, traversing some mini dunes before ending the trek in a beautiful setting, back in the ‘big dunes’, for a celebration lunch. Take a well-earned rest before saying a sad goodbye to the amazing crew, before being transferred to Ait Ben Haddou, after an exciting jeep ride out of the desert. Tonight the group can celebrate the many achievements with a celebration meal.

• Day 7 | Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech then UK

  After breakfast, begin the transfer back to Marrakech, enjoying the varied scenery over the High Atlas passes. Upon reaching Marrakech, have lunch on a roof top restaurant, before hopefully having time to do a bit of shopping in the souk before the flight home.

Included

• Transfers
• Meals including filling local breakfasts
• 4 litres of drinking water per trekking day
• Accommodation
• Camping equipment including comfortable mattresses 
• Central dining tent with rugs, lights and an open fire
• Toilet tent
• Water supplied for washing
• Leaders
• Crew
• Back-up equipment

Not Included

• International flights from the UK (these can be arranged for you at extra cost, which will be ATOL protected)
• Personal travel insurance which should be valid and cover all activities in the itinerary
• UK international departure tax
• Immunisation costs
• Personal equipment and clothing on the kit list
• Tipping for local guides and drivers
• Single supplement (for sole occupancy of accommodation where available)
• Expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation and delays
• Alcoholic drinks

Each trekker is required to raise £1000 for Walking With The Wounded.

Walking With The Wounded

Mentally, physically and socially wounded ex-service personnel and their families are supported to receive the help they deserve.

Walking With The Wounded is a UK military charity providing support for veterans who need it the most.

A leading UK military charity which recognises that those who served, deserve. The charity empowers veterans by reigniting their sense of purpose, enabling them to make a positive contribution to their communities and lead independent lives.

Watch Martin's journey

Responsible Travel is enormously important in this challenge and is evidenced throughout the itinerary.

Core to this challenge is the belief that it should be enjoyable to the traveller but should be conducted in a socially, environmentally and economically responsible manner which brings benefit to local communities. This is implemented through a variety of measures which can be found in the Responsible Travel policy.

Costs

Wow! What a trek... I just love the varied desert scenery. Camping in the middle of the deep dunes is an unbelievable experience, and the cheeky camels always make me laugh! It is a tough challenge, but one you will never forget. Lynsey, full time Mountain Leader